Perhaps the most common board-and-batten arrangement uses 1x10 boards and 1x2 or 1x3 batten. You can also use 1x8 or 1x12 boards and 1x4 battens. To seal out moisture, the boards should be in sound condition and free of any open knots—the battens themselves should lap at least 3/4 inch onto the boards on both sides. Cedar is a good lumber of choice because it’s soft; harder wood, such as pressure-treated pine, will not seal as well and is more likely to crack after installation....

Supplies Required 18-inch-diameter, 8-inch-deep pot Cactus mix potting soil, small bag Five fist-size rocks Dwarf Euphorbia milii (half gallon) 25 succulent cuttings, assorted Crushed black lava rock White pumice (to go under blue tumbled glass) Light blue tumbled glass Step 1: Prep Pot Fill the pot nearly to the top with cactus mix potting soil—it provides the amount of drainage succulents need. You can find a cactus mix sold at any nursery or garden center....

If you haven’t worked much with felt before, here’s a tip: Use freezer paper to make cutting crisp felt shapes possible. Felt tends to slip while being cut, but by using an iron to temporarily adhere freezer paper to the felt sheet before cutting, you can stabilize the fibers and make it much easier to get clean, crisp pattern pieces. So download our free Christmas ornament pattern now and get started on your poinsettia decorations today....

The process of creating a muffin batter is quite simple. Using two bowls, combine your dry ingredients in one bowl and your wet ingredients in another, then add the liquid ingredients to the dry and mix only until the batter comes together. In culinary terms, this mixing process is called the Muffin Method (yes, that is the technical term!). The process is fast and easy; However, the common downfall is that the batter can quickly become overmixed, resulting in a tough, coarse texture....

1. Host a Festive Dinner Party Under String Lights Dreaming of long summer days of grilling out and dining together underneath strands of patio lights? You don’t have to wait for summer. Hang a few strands of string lights above your dining table to give your home a cozy, bohemian look. Then have some friends over for a cozy dinner party to alleviate the chill of winter. Light a few candles, whip up some casual cuisine, and serve it family-style beneath the warm glow of string lights....

2. Between Couch Cushions If you’ve ever enjoyed a bowl of popcorn on the couch, beware. Any stray kernels will probably end up covered in crumbs, hair, and dust, which all edge their way between cushions. Once a month, strip your couch and use an upholstery tool to vacuum the base and all cushions. 3. Car Trunk We keep our car seats fairly kempt, but when was the last time you thought to clean out your vehicle’s trunk?...

Test Kitchen Tip: For the best results, seek out a melon with a strong floral scent.

Although they emphasize simplicity and function, modern minimalist kitchens can also showcase unique style and personality through pops of color, unique stone surfaces, wood accents, aged metal finishes, and more.

1. You’re bringing pollutants into your home. Taking off shoes at the front door can reduce the allergens and germs tracked in. “Pollens are microscopic particles that get stuck in your eyes, nose, and hair, and on your clothing,” says Amy Shah, M.D., a board-certified allergist and immunologist and internal medicine physician in Phoenix. A pair of doormats—one outside and another right inside—will limit the number of outdoor allergens that make it beyond the threshold....

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1. Repot Your Rosemary Rosemary seeds are difficult to germinate, so the easiest way to start growing rosemary indoors is to buy young potted plants. Rosemary plants are often available year round, and some varieties such as compact ‘Blue Boy’ are ideal for growing indoors. Once you get your new rosemary plants home, repot them into a container that’s one or two sizes larger than the original container. Keep in mind that a plant in a porous clay pot needs water more often than one in a plastic or ceramic pot....

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Rustic kitchens are warm and inviting, like a pot of comforting stew bubbling away on the stove all afternoon, and our collection of rustic cabinets will inspire you to give your own space a touch of countryside charm. Whether you have a large kitchen and are planning new cabinetry or you’re working with a small footprint and want budget-friendly ideas, these rustic cabinet ideas have something for every kitchen....

If your sliding door receives harsh light, you might want to purchase lined curtains, which will block the sun’s rays. For a less-than-perfect outdoor view, install a double set of curtains, and use filtering sheers (which you can leave closed) under solid panels. For a finishing touch, cover the top of the curtains and rod with a valance or cornice mounted high enough to clear the door.

Buy It: Weber 22-Inch Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill ($219, The Home Depot) Buy It: Hamilton Beach Stack and Snap 12-Cup Food Processor ($59, Target) Test Kitchen Tip: The flat iron steak (aka top blade steak) is a lot like flank steak but has more marbling, making it more tender.