Buy It: Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker ($70, Target) Buy It: KitchenAid Food Processor ($200, Bed Bath & Beyond) Test Kitchen Tip: Most unsweetened chocolate should be vegan, but double-check before you buy to make sure the brand you’re using is vegan. Buy It: Instant Pot Pressure Cooker ($72, Walmart)

1. Planter Box Entryway Storage Turn a metal planter box into a central space to store on-the-go items or gardening supplies. Acrylic bins nestle in the container to create individual sections for essentials. Hang magnetic clips on the outside to pin reminders. Slide a boot tray under the console to protect your floors from wet items like rain boots or a watering can. 2. DIY Entryway Shelves Mount these DIY semi-circle shelves to turn a blank wall into a functional entryway....

Before you turn on the fan this summer, remove dust and debris using an old pillowcase. Spray the interior of the pillowcase with an all-purpose cleaner and slip it over one of the blades. As you wipe, grime gets trapped inside the pillowcase instead of falling on furniture or floors. After cleaning, reverse the direction of the blades, so the fan brings cold air downward instead of pushing warm air around the room....

Test Kitchen Tip: For a family-friendly take on this delicious banana dessert, simply skip the rum. Buy It: Nordic Ware Party Bundt Cake Pan ($45, Williams Sonoma) Buy It: NuWave Brio 4.5-Quart Air Fryer ($80, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Wilton 9x5-Inch Loaf Pan ($9, Target) Buy It: 4-Inch Lollipop Sticks By Celebrate It ($3 for 50, Michaels)

Editor’s Tip: Copper is toxic to air plants. Coat the copper with sealant prior to displaying the air plants to avoid killing the plants.

According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling, a minor kitchen remodel that includes upgrades such as replacing the front of your cabinet doors and drawers with new wood panels has an return on investment (ROI) of 72%. While the total cost of a minor kitchen remodel is costly (about $26,200), updating your cabinets can give your entire kitchen a lift—for a fraction of the cost. “Not only do you achieve a new style, but it is also a more affordable option when renovating the kitchen,” says Adam Graham, industry analyst at remodeling site Fixr....

Your options for under-the-deck storage will largely depend on the available space. An area that’s at least two feet high, for example, offers plenty of room for storage. However, grade-level access (which usually involves entering through a door) isn’t practical for a 2-foot-high space, because you’d have to crawl under the deck to reach your stored items. But don’t let a lack of space stop you from utilizing potential storage....

Check the seed packet to help you figure out when to sow your seeds in your DIY pots. Usually, it’ll be about six to eight weeks before the average last frost date in your area (so if that’s April 15, count back from then and make sure you start your seeds on or after March 18). Once your seeds have sprouted, make sure to provide them with as much sunlight as possible (or use grow lights)....

Properly caring for your lawn involves a bit more than just pulling your lawn mower out once a week and running it across your yard. There are a few common mistakes to avoid to have the healthiest grass and a beautiful lawn each time you mow. 1. You Mow Your Grass Too Short It may seem like mowing your grass shorter would mean you can get away with mowing less frequently, but in actuality, this can cause more harm than good....

1. Mums Were First Grown in China Chrysanthemums have been around for a long time; they were originally cultivated in China, and were first recorded in writing in the 15th century BC (over 3,000 years ago). It was believed to have medicinal properties as an herb; for example, the boiled roots were used as a cure for headaches. It’s also one of the four noble plants in Chinese culture, along with plum blossoms, orchids, and bamboo....

Apples Diversified farming, the ability to grow multiple crops in one area, is a good first step to making any farm more sustainable. Many plants work together in a way that’s mutually beneficial, resulting in a wonderfully diverse bounty that can yield even more output. “In addition to wine grapes, we have been farming apples on the same land for 57 years,” reveals Steve Dutton, president of Dutton Ranch. “This multi-generational experience in farming the same crop on the same land has led us to be able to dry farm and rely only on natural rainfall for most of our 200 acres of apples....

1. Plan the menu with cleanup in mind. When planning your holiday menu, think twice about elaborate recipes that require a laundry list of ingredients and numerous types of cookware. To cut down on cleanup from the start, opt for simple fare that you can throw together on a single sheet pan or in one pot, suggests Lauren Bowen, director of franchise operations for the cleaning service Two Maids & A Mop....

1. Peonies Have Centuries of History Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Early in Chinese history, the peony was considered the national flower (although it’s now officially the plum blossom). The Tang Dynasty of China began breeding peonies in the imperial courts in the 7th century BCE. Their popularity spread to Japan in the early 11th century and to France and England in the 18th century. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, they began taking off in popularity in the U....

Buy It: Good Cook Muffin Pan ($15, Walmart)

How to Cook Bell Peppers on the Stove There are two ways to cook bell peppers on the stove—boiling or sautéing. Start by washing peppers and removing stems, seeds, and membranes. Cut peppers into rings or strips, then use one of the following methods: To boil bell peppers: Cook peppers, covered, in a small amount of boiling salted water for 6 to 7 minutes or until crisp-tender.To sauté bell peppers: Heat a skillet with 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat....

1. Mix Old and New French-style interiors are often highly distinctive and eclectic, featuring furniture and decor from a broad range of eras, design styles, and sources. To achieve this look, juxtapose flea market finds with contemporary pieces or European antiques with midcentury modern furnishings. Keep the look cohesive instead of chaotic by repeating a few key colors throughout the space to connect the assorted elements. 2. Celebrate Architectural Details Your home might not have the intricate ceiling moldings and herringbone floors of a penthouse off the Seine, but you can still play up a room’s architectural details....