Over the past couple of years, the benefits of keeping a tidy home have become even more pronounced as many of us ramped up cleaning efforts in response to COVID-19. “During the pandemic, cleaning became an important part of everyday life and cleaning routines were established to be quick, effective, and efficient,” says Leah Bradley, senior brand manager at Bona. “Many of these routines have remained, so while the frequency might be less, the mindfulness of how cleaning takes place has continued....

1. Wooden Crate Shelving Unit When grouped, unassuming pine crates, such as KNAGGLIG boxes ($13, IKEA), become a storage-packed focal point. (We used 32 crates, but you can adapt the design to suit your space.) Arrange four crates, as shown, with an empty space at the center. In the same way, arrange another four crates on top of the first set. Arrange another eight crates in the same manner to form a second stack....

Desired cured meatsBold cheese (we used cubed feta and goat cheese)Pickled or fresh veggiesDried and fresh fruits like apricots, dates, figs, and plumsOlivesBread slices or crackersHerbed nuts Cured meatsCheeses (we recommend using at least one soft cheese, hard cheese, and blue cheese)CrackersHerbed nutsCornichonsRadishesOlivesGrapes or figsHoneyMustard or butter AlmondsCauliflowerAsparagus spearsZucchiniEndiveTomatoesSweet mini peppersHummus Desired blanched vegetablesProsciuttoCrackersTuna with capersMini sweet peppersFresh mozzarella Crackers or flatbreadSour gherkinsCured meatsDijon-style mustardOlivesBaguette slices

1. Place Them in Bags If you frequently browse social media, you might have already witnessed this genius storage idea. It’s often found in playrooms to make it easier for kiddos to clean up their games and puzzles, but it can absolutely work for adults, too. Collect nylon zippered pouches in a variety of sizes and put the contents of each game into its own bag, using larger ones for bulkier pieces, such as a folded-down game board....

Light Layers Traditional leather sofas are dark by nature, so layer them with cream, pastel, or white accent pillows and throw blankets. Pull in other pale accents, like area rugs and accessories, to bounce light around the room and add desirable contrast. Situating the couch near a large window also lets light into the room—just make sure your furniture is fade-resistant. Painted Balance Balance the visual weight of brown or black leather furnishings by incorporating painted walls, furniture, and textiles....

What Is Giving Tuesday? According to the official website, Giving Tuesday is simply “a day that encourages people to do good” and is always held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The event was started in 2012 by 92nd Street Y, a nonprofit community and cultural center in New York City. The foundation launched the initiative by using social media outlets to encourage generosity. In just nine years, the grassroots effort has turned into a global phenomenon....

Include Bee Friendly Balcony Plants To create a pollinator garden for butterflies and bees, you need to include species with plenty of nectar-rich flowers. The more of these plants you have in your container, the more you’ll be able to enjoy butterflies and other fascinating insects. Packed with blue, pink, and red cornflowers along with Spanish lavender, blanket flower, and baby’s breath, this container provides a perfect banquet for bees....

Bright Orange Front Door A punchy shade of orange is a sure-fire way to draw attention to your front door. A vibrant tangerine color makes a surprising splash on this spacious front porch painted white. Light blue shutters and lush boxwoods lining the front walkway complement the front door without competing with it. Suggested Paint Color: Navel SW 6887, Sherwin-Williams Electric Blue Front Door Blue front doors are a popular exterior color choice, but this electric shade kicks the intensity up a notch....

Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall or more, depending on variety Zones: 3-8 Buy It: Hosta Mixture ($13, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 1 foot tall Zones: 4-8 Growing Conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 6 feet tall, depending on variety Zones: 2-10, depending on variety Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: To 6 feet or more Zones: 5-9 Buy It: Northwind Switchgrass ($8, Walmart) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: To 2 feet tall Zones: 3-9 Buy It: ‘Blue Ice’ Bluestar ($24, The Home Depot) Growing Conditions: Full to part shade and average soil; can tolerate drought Size: 1-2 feet Zones: 5-9 Buy It: Lilafee Fairy Wings ($23, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall Zones: 3-8

1. Use a mirror to make a small hallway look larger. Adding a mirror is an easy way to make a small hallway feel more spacious. Because it reflects light, the mirror can make a cramped or dark space feel larger and more open. Hang one at the end of a short hallway or along one side of a narrow one to visually expand the space. 2. Brighten a small hallway with plenty of lighting....

Buy It: Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten ($19, Target) Test Kitchen Tip: If you made a homemade cake that sunk in the middle or is a bit too crumbly, this is a great way to transform it into a memorable dessert.

1. Not knowing the enemy. Identifying the weeds in your garden can help you figure out the best strategy for controlling them. “One key aspect I encounter with gardeners trying to win the battle with weeds is not knowing what the weed is or anything about it,” says North Carolina Extension Agent, Alison Arnold. “Being able to identify the weed will give information on how to manage it.” For starters, it helps to know if you are dealing with an annual, perennial, or biennial weed....

These firepits do it all, from simply cozying up your backyard to roasting marshmallows for s’mores night. Whether you’re looking for propane firepits, gas options, or wood-burning picks, you can find what you’re looking for at a great discount. We’re talking up to $151 off best-sellers that look stylish and have safety features in place. Yaheetech Multifunctional 32-Inch Firepit Table, $87 with coupon (was $140) Sunnydaze Cosmic 42-Inch Outdoor Firepit, $229 (was $287) Bond Manufacturing Newcastle Gas Fire Column Firepit, $248 (was $399) Bali Outdoors 28-Inch Square Table Firepit, $205 (was $280) Outland Living 24-Inch Firebowl Propane Gas Firepit, $180 (was $219) Sunnydaze Northland 36-Inch Outdoor Firepit, $159 (was $199) Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Firepit, $95 (was $120) Colsen Mini Tabletop Firepit, $75 (was $85)...

Buy It: Chinese Five Spice ($8, The Spice House)

The key to success is building a very flavorful broth as the base and to then at every step of the way coax as much flavor as possible out of the different components. Also, sprinkling sliced garlic with salt and allowing it to sit before adding to the onions, etc. The salt helps draw out and distribute flavor, which of course results in a better tasting soup. When I’m making this soup I know that I’m going to be adding lots of unseasoned vegetables, so I make a point of seasoning the broth and sauteed onions very highly, even overly so, because I know that the root vegetables and greens, etc, are going to absorb the seasoning once they are added....

February is also dedicated to remembering and celebrating Black achievements through Black History Month. This year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness. Take a moment to learn more about the history of the observance and how you can recognize it this year. Here’s a complete list of all the holidays and observances in February. Monthly Observances in February American Heart Month Black History Month Canned Food Month Dog Training Month Friendship Month Great American Pie Month Library Lovers Month National Bake for Family Fun Month National Bird Feeding Month National Cherry Month National Children’s Dental Health Month National Embroidery Month National Grapefruit Month National Hot Breakfast Month National Snack Food Month National Youth Leadership Month National Pet Dental Health Month Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month...

1 ounce sweet baking, bittersweet, or semisweet chocolate 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoon fat-free milk Dash almond extract

1 ½ cup powdered sugar 3 ounce softened cream cheese ½ teaspoon almond extract 1 tablespoon milk

Perfect biscuits require a few basics: a hot oven, cold fat, and a gentle yet knowing hand. To get the details down pat, we made a batch with American cooking guru Scott Peacock. For the steps to biscuit bliss, and to get Scott’s recipe, read on. Step 1: Choose the right flour. Use any good unbleached all-purpose flour (Scott prefers organic), instead of the soft-wheat flour that many bakers use....