Life

890 square feet isn’t exactly tiny, but with the lack of walls or doors, this high-rise jungle paradise in downtown LA has the potential to be a too-small leopard-print jail cell when two people share this space. Chris and Rory’s home is definitely giving off studio apartment vibes and is PACKED with personality, color, pattern and clothes. So how do two people with big personalities fit into a one-room home?

When you move into a new apartment building or a new neighborhood, do you try to make friends with your neighbors, or do you just go about your business? Sometimes, it makes sense to keep to yourself, but if your neighbors seem like the kind of people you’d like to get to know, it might be worth it to put yourself out there a little bit.

This month we’ll be sharing solutions that are so simple and easy—and at times, automated—that they feel like magic. Hocus Pocus celebrates all the small ways you can trick yourself into living a better life. There are a lot of ways to spend less money at the grocery stores. Couponing or buying cheaper food are two that come to mind, though neither are always ideal for our sanity or our health.

We all know that living in a small space has its benefits — cheaper rent, better locations and more — but sharing that small space with another person…well that can get a little tricky. Sure, there are downsides, but let’s choose to focus on the positive! These five real couples revealed what they think the best thing about sharing a small space with someone else is.

(Image credit: Anjali Prasertong) From Kitchn → The Best Way to Remove Old Coffee Stains from Mugs & Carafes

Newlyweds Franke and Jason, and their dog and cat, share a studio apartment in a Chicago high-rise. They love the location — and the views are killer — but as anyone who’s ever shared a small space knows, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. In fact, there are three challenges that can be a bummer for small space dwellers in particular: Pets, Parties and Possessions.

(Image credit: Emma Christensen) From Kitchn → How To Clean Your Microwave Naturally with Just a Lemon

(Image credit: l i g h t p o e t) shutterstock From Kitchn → 10 Tips to Help the Dishwasher Run Better

I don’t know about all of you, but the highlight of my Halloween was always the moment we got back from trick-or-treating: My friends and I would dump our pillowcases out on my living room floor and start to wheel and deal with our candies. Trading just like we were on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange. You see, not all treats are created equal.

(Image credit: Emma Christensen) From Kitchn → Food Gifts to Start Preparing Now for the Holidays

Collecting your coins and spare bills is a great way to save money, because over time, all that change adds up. But emptying your pockets into a jar or a piggy bank when you walk in the door? Not exactly the most fun or inspired way to do things. If you need a little extra motivation to save—whether it’s to pay for something special, or to curb your bad money habits—try one of these takes on the traditional coin jar or piggy bank.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been dumped and heard the words “just friends.” We’ve all been there—and we’ve probably all used the same lame excuse to break up with someone, too. “Just friends” is such a common way to let someone down gently, but when you really think about it, it doesn’t make much sense.

You love your apartment, but there’s one thing you would change if you could—your roommate. It could be that your roommate is actually the worst, but maybe it’s not about them—maybe, it’s you. Maybe it’s that, deep down, you know you’d rather live alone. Whether you daydream about your perfect studio or you dread spending any time around your roommates, these might be signs that it’s time to get your own place.

Halloween-related household spending is expected to hit a record high this year, according to the National Retail Federation: $8.4 billion dollars overall in the U.S., with $2.5 billion of that spent just on candy. That’s a whole lot of Snickers bars, y’all. No doubt, with stats like those looming on the horizon, you want to do your homework and avoid over-spending on Halloween candy this year.

(Image credit: Devon Jarvis) From Kitchn → The IKEA RÅSKOG Cart as Coffee Station

(Image credit: Leela Cyd) From Kitchn → The 12 Worst Offenders for Kitchen Clutter and How to Deal with Them

Say you’re at a soiree with pink champagne cocktails and more guacamole than you know what to do with, and you find yourself yawning between all the mingling. Or maybe you’re standing in front of your bathroom mirror — applying the night’s lipstick — and it dawns on you that getting into a taxi cab and legging it across town is the last thing you want to be doing that night.

Concerts and movies are great group activities, sure, but they don’t have to be group outings. It seems like most people wouldn’t (or at least, haven’t) gone to to a concert or to see a movie by themselves—and if you haven’t, you’re missing out. It may sound weird, but giving myself permission to go to things like that alone was one of the best things I could have ever done for myself.

(Image credit: Leela Cyd) From Kitchn → 10 of the Best Movies to Watch on a Date Night In with Friends

(Image credit: Restoration Hardware) From Kitchn → 6 Dinnerware Sets That Will Outlast Your Design Whims

Globe-traveling, curio-collecting, working professionals by day and co-creators of an animated series by night. They’re building a life together rooted in a love of travel and exploration, fueled by intellectual curiosity and creativity. They’re smart and warm and possess Jedi-level cocktail making skills. Here’s life with Mark and Noelle… Mark and Noelle live in a flat in Chicago’s Avondale/Logan Square neighborhood.

(Image credit: Sarah Copeland) From Kitchn → 8 Tips for Hosting a FEED Supper

(Image credit: Christine Han) From Kitchn → How To Sharpen a Knife: The Video

Never sure what to snatch up when you’re out thrifting? Or what to put back down? With so much STUFF to see (and potentially purchase) when you’re out second-hand shopping, it can be tough to make the best buying decisions. While everyone’s decor needs are different, it never hurts to hear what the experts are always on the hunt for (and what they would never take home).

(Image credit: Christine ) From Kitchn → 5 Important Things to Know About Cutting Boards

(Image credit: Elizabeth Stark) From Kitchn → All the Things I Never Do to My Cast Iron Skillet

After you’ve tackled the big-picture savings tactics like canceling subscriptions, negotiating insurance premiums to lower rates, and reducing energy consumption, you’ll have to examine your micro-spending in order to squeeze any extra cash out of your budget. Even if you’re in good shape financially, there will come a week where you could use an extra hundred bucks—maybe before a big weekend?—to pad your budget with.

Anyone who grew up in the ’80s remembers Teddy Ruxpin. The talking bear with the cassette tape in his back hit the market in 1985, scared us all with his uncanny valley face and low battery voice, and faded into oblivion for awhile. Until now. In case you need a refresher: MommyandGracieShow got a look at the new Teddy at the Dallas Toy Fair and he’s ripe to terrify a whole new generation. Produced by Wicked Cool Toys, the biggest visual difference is in the eyes.

Getting together with friends shouldn’t be a fussy affair. If all you have the time and energy to do is send out an email, then offer to host a potluck dinner at your place and get the gang together for a night. Being the potluck host doesn’t let you off the hook completely, but it’s a heck of a lot easier than cooking for a crowd. The first step to a potluck is sending out the (informal) invitations. And the modern way to do that is online.

(Image credit: Tim Chin) From Kitchn → 15 Apple Names That Could Be Baby Names

(Image credit: Emma Christensen) From Kitchn → 10 Things the Smartest Grocery Shoppers Always Do

This Silver Lake rental has plenty of physical characteristics to be envious of: charming architectural features, big windows and eclectic furnishings. But it’s not the objects that make this house so special — it’s the trio of creative women who call this space home. Because I secretly wish I was their fourth roommate, I delved more into their home life. Spoiler Alert: They spend typical evenings building puzzles, playing guitar and making you want to be friends with them.

(Image credit: Maria Siriano) From Kitchn → This Is What a Dishwasher Actually Does to Your Knife

(Image credit: Courtesy of Universal Studios) From Kitchn → 5 Cool Getaway Lines So You Won’t Get Stuck at the Watercooler

(Image credit: Leela Cyd for The Kitchn) From Kitchn → 5 Rules for Hosting a Crappy Dinner Party (and Seeing Your Friends More Often)

(Image credit: Natalie Jeffcott) From Kitchn → The Best $20 I Ever Spent on My Kitchen

As a travel lover (and chronic over-packer), I’ve researched and prepared for many trips—from weekend getaways to months abroad—only to get so frustrated with myself when I realize (usually mid-trip) that I definitely didn’t need to bring that third pair of heels. Here are six things to ditch while packing for your trip. Think of it as the Kon-Mari method for your suitcase.

To any of you who need a bit of a fire lit under them to fire up the stove this fall, here are a few tips for easing your way back into the kitchen.

(Image credit: Catherine & Michael Frawley) From Kitchn → The Introvert’s Guide to Cleaning the Kitchen

Andy, Danielle and two cats share a 325 square foot studio in Chicago. Yes, you read that correctly: 325 tiny square feet. They not only do it stylishly, as evidenced by their house tour, but considering their big smiles (and the fact that they’re still living in the apartment together), they also share it successfully! I love this couple and their home, and had to ask them more questions about how they manage in so little square feet.

Not a couponer? Is that because you refuse to dedicate your Sundays to shuffling through the newspaper, literally clipping coupons to stash away in a tiny accordion file that you flip through as you’re walking down the aisles? Well, you’re living in the past. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. When shopping online—or even in person with your phone in tow (and whose isn’t?) — it’s easier than ever to coupon and only takes a few minutes.

(Image credit: Amazon) From Kitchn → Why Everyone Needs a Lemon Squeezer

(Image credit: Kelli Foster) From Kitchn → 10 Small Yet Mighty Shortcuts for Prepping Your Favorite Fruits

(Image credit: Brian C. Grobleski) From Kitchn → Why You Should Pay a Pro to Sharpen Your Knives

(Image credit: Rachel Joy Barehl) From Kitchn → What You Should Really Bring Someone Who Just Had a Baby

Joe and Keith’s Oakland apartment is impressive; it’s comfortable, stylish and full of cool art. But you know what is even more impressive? They make it work, day in and day out, living together in just 300 square feet. The guys generously gave us some of their tips on sharing such a small space… Yes Yes, not counting college dorms. Our good friends were living here before us and we had been over a few times for dinner.

(Image credit: Samara Vise) From Kitchn → 10 Places to Hang a Magnetic Knife Rack

(Image credit: Meghan Splawn) From Kitchn → Our Favorite Spatulas: 5 Spatulas Are Better than 1

(Image credit: Ellie Arciaga Lillstrom) From Kitchn → 5 Reasons to Start a Collection of Wooden Spoons

(Image credit: Jerrelle Guy) From Kitchn → 7 Lunch Box Ideas Kids Can Pack Themselves

(Image credit: Emma Christensen) From Kitchn → 7 Foods You Can Cook Straight out of the Freezer

(Image credit: Lana Kenney) From Kitchn → 10 Kitchens That Will Inspire You to Think Pink

(Image credit: Leela Cyd) From Kitchn → 18 Summery Pasta Recipes to Eat on the Porch

The warm weather is winding down and the leaves will soon start to turn, but that’s not the only change in the air. If it feels like people are settling down everywhere you turn, don’t worry, it’s not just you—cuffing season is upon us. Not everyone feels relationship-ready come the end of summer, but if you find yourself wishing for someone to come home to, it might be time to overhaul your dating apps. With a few tweaks, you can reach profile perfection.

(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink) From Kitchn → 25 Make-Ahead Summer Breakfasts

When done for pleasure, travel is almost always fun and exciting. After all, you get to see brand new places, try out new cuisines and maybe even relax a little. Business travel, however, feels a lot more like, well… work. Traveling for business purposes is fairly common in the U.S.: The Bureau of Transportation Statistics says that Americans rack up more than 405 million long-distance trips for business each year.

(Image credit: Samantha Bolton) From Kitchn → 10 Southern Sayings Everyone Should Embrace

Ahh summer vacations. We never want them to end. One of the highlights of returning home, however, is being able to infuse your space with some of those unforgettable memories. I’m a big fan of collecting travel treasures, but another way you can keep the vacation vibes going all year long is by allowing the local flavor of the destination itself to inspire your décor.

(Image credit: Sur La Table) From Kitchn → 4 Tools to Grind Spices for Better Flavor

When you read about a woman who makes only a Mason Jar worth of waste per year, it’s hard not to think you’re doing life wrong. We all want to do right by the environment, but getting started along the path to a more sustainable lifestyle can seem daunting. The good news is it really is easy being green. By making small modifications in your daily life, you can significantly reduce your waste output.

(Image credit: Samantha Bolton) From Kitchn → 31 Essential Ingredients for No-Cook Meals

(Image credit: Leela Cyd) From Kitchn → 15 New Ways to Use Your Slow Cooker This Summer

There’s a common realization many remote workers are having, likely while sitting in front of a computer at home still in their PJs (I speak from experience). It goes a little something like this: “Hey, wait a minute… I don’t have to work from home. I could actually work from anywhere.

(Image credit: Melanie LaForce) From Kitchn → Appalachian Porch Parties Taught Me Mindfulness, Country-Style

(Image credit: Fab.com) From Kitchn → 9 Trays to Serve 9 Summer Entertaining Situations

Most students and teachers can’t help but feel a little sad about the end of summer, at least until it’s time for back-to-school shopping. There’s something thrilling about starting a new school year and taking the opportunity to refresh your life a little. But loading up on new clothes, decor, technology and school supplies can get a little pricey. Actually, really pricey. The good news: Many retailers offer discounts for students and teachers with valid school IDs or .

The Birthday Problem paradox suggests that if you put 23 people into a room, there’s a 50 percent chance that two of them share the same birthday (and that probability jumps to 99 percent chance with just 60 people). The math is based on the assumption that every date out of the 365 days a year is equally likely for a birthday, but apparently that theory is way off.

(Image credit: Faith Durand) From Kitchn → 20 Salads Worth Packing for Lunch

Summer is slowly coming to an end, which means it’s time to get serious about crossing things off your summer bucket list. If you haven’t already taken a summer vacation, make that a top priority. Yes, sunshine-drenched days at the beach and lounging by the pool sipping margaritas are limited, but there’s still plenty of time to plan an epic end-of-summer getaway. Here are seven reasons why now is actually the perfect time to indulge in a delicious summer vacation.

Wondering why birthdays and babies always seem to reach a fever pitch as summer turns to fall? According to data collected by the New York Times, September 16th is the most popular birthday for babies born between 1973 and 1999. Actually, all 10 of the top 10 birthdays fall in September. And August isn’t too far behind in the rankings. → See all the birth date data: How Common is Your Birthday? Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

(Image credit: Hayley Kessner) From Kitchn → 10 Ways to Make a Staycation Your Best Vacation Ever