Inflatables are a great way to decorate for the season because they make a big statement in your yard, but they don’t require much storage space; at the end of the season you can just deflate them and pack them away with the rest of your Halloween decor. But before you get the air pump or add any oversize lawn decorations to your shopping cart, there are a few things you should know....

How to Cook Tofu The key to expertly cooked tofu is choosing the right kind. There are two main types of tofu: silken and regular. Silken: best blended into dips, smoothies, soups, salad dressings, or creamy desserts. Regular: great for slicing, cubing, or on the grill. It is packaged based on its texture and moisture content and comes in medium, firm, and extra-firm. Marinated Tofu Look for pre-marinated tofu in the plant-based section of your grocery store....

Trim fat from two beef steaks, such as top loin, ribeye, or tenderloin, cut about 3/4 inch thick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If possible, do not use a nonstick skillet. Add 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter; reduce heat to medium. Cook steaks for about 3 minutes per side or until medium rare (145 degrees F). Cover steaks with foil; let stand for 5 minutes while preparing the sauce....

Begin with newly opened blooms at their peak of freshness. Cut 6- to 8-inch stems in midmorning, after the dew has lifted but before the heat of the day causes the petals to open more and go limp. Buds showing color can also be dried. Remember that the colors will change as the flowers dry. Dark reds transform into a deep burgundy, brown, or purple, while whites may become creamy or pale yellow....

Make sure that if you need to replace any parts during this repair you find compatible parts for your toilet. If you aren’t experienced with DIY plumbing jobs, the process of replacing some of the parts of the toilet might seem complicated, but by discovering how a toilet functions and the various parts that could be causing this issue, you can learn how to fix a running toilet. Understanding How a Toilet Functions The first step to fixing a running toilet is to learn how a toilet actually operates....

Small Bathroom Storage Inspirations. Not That: Beauty, Junk-Drawer Style Don’t just throw makeup and accessories in a vanity drawer. Chances are slim that you’ll find what you’re looking for, and you could easily forget about products that find their way to the back and bottom of the drawer. Do This: Towel Tricks Do fold towels in half lengthwise and then in thirds. You’ll end up with tight, thick bundles that will stack well on shelves....

Cooking Salmon on the Grill: Prep Steps The prep needed for cooking salmon on the grill is very simple. Before grilling fish, rinse and pat dry with paper towels. If the fish is too wet, it may stick to the grill. Whether you’re cooking grilled salmon with skin or without, the best way to grill salmon with added flavor is to use a dry rub or sprinkle with spices or herbs (thyme, dill, or basil works well with grilled salmon)....

There are various 240-volt receptacles, each made for specific amperages and appliances, so be sure to buy the right one for your application.Each appliance needs a separate double-pole breaker.Some older receptacles use only three wires; codes now call for four wires—black and red hot wires, a white neutral wire, and a ground wire.Use 12-gauge wire for a 20-amp circuit, 10-gauge for 30 amps, 8-gauge for 40 amps, and 6-gauge for 50 amps....

Installing a ceiling medallion isn’t difficult; follow these steps to simply and elegantly transform your overhead space. Before you begin, choose from prefinished options or those that can be painted, stained, or otherwise decorated. You’ll need one sized for your room—roughly the width of your ceiling fixture’s diameter. More Ceiling Design Ideas What You Need Polyurethane ceiling medallionWire nutsDrill and large bitDrywall sawSandpaperLong threaded bolt (optional)Paint for touch-up and finishAdhesive caulkTrim-head screws...

The project is no more difficult than a standard installation of crown molding—in fact, it’s easier because you don’t have to worry about fitting the molding tightly to the ceiling. Ripping the nailer strip is an additional step, but it’s an easy task if you have a table saw. No saw? Visit a local cabinet shop and you may be able to get the strips cut for a reasonable cost....

Before you begin, produce an accurate scale drawing and get it approved by your building department. Keep in mind that the decking will overhang the joists by 1½ inches or so on all sides. You’ll also need to plan out the footings and beams. Because they extend 3 feet beyond the footings, massive beams made of three 2x10s are required. Large beams call for larger-than-average supports—4x6 posts and 12-inch-diameter footings....

We’ll walk you through the entire installation process. Our steps include the application of a primer, but some manufacturers don’t recommend one, while others do, but only on porous surfaces, such as plywood. Consult the manufacturer’s directions before applying. Also understand that once the tile comes into contact with the floor, the adhesive is unforgiving; you won’t be able to adjust a tile’s position. If you misalign a tile, you’ll probably have to pull it up and replace it....

How to Bake a Cake First you’ll have to choose a recipe. You can keep it simple with a yellow cake (pictured above), or you can choose a slightly showier recipe, like a chocolate devil’s food cake or a vibrant red velvet cake.If you’re not a fan of the traditional frostings, try a German chocolate cake. We also have a few birthday cake recipes for celebratory occasions. The possibilities are almost endless, and these directions will help you make them all, but angel food, pound cakes, sponge cakes, and chiffon cakes require different methods, so read up on those separately....

Try This Technique: Begin a roux by stirring together the flour and cooking oil, as shown. Then cook for 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium so you can better control the cooking. For a light roux, heat about 10 minutes more. Stop cooking when your roux is reddish brown, as shown. Use this mildly flavored roux for fish and seafood dishes. For a dark roux, cook on medium about 15 minutes....

You can use different combinations of your favorite plants; just be sure they’re suitable for the spot where you plan to hang your basket. Follow our guide to how to make a hanging basket to enjoy. It takes less than 30 minutes! Choosing a Basket and Liner When choosing a hanging basket that complements your home, opt for a larger basket—it’ll hold water better. Typical hanging baskets are made of wire, coco fiber, or plastic and come in diameters of 8 to 24 inches....

Types of Composting Before you start, it’s important to know that there are several types of composting. Here we’re covering cold compost, hot compost, and vermicompost. Cold composting is as simple as collecting yard waste or taking out the organic materials in your trash (such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds and filters, and eggshells) and then corralling them in a pile or bin. Over the course of a year or so, the material will decompose....

How to Mince Garlic Before you learn how to mince garlic using one of our easy methods, you’ll want to know the best way to peel garlic to remove the papery outer layer. From there, grab your knife or one of the handy minced garlic tools below to add irresistible savory flavor to your recipes. Method 1: Mincing Garlic with a Knife Knowing how to mince garlic with a knife is the most common and easy way to prep garlic for your recipe....

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Before you begin organizing jewelry, inspect your collection for damaged pieces or those you no longer wear. Decide whether you want to repair, donate, or toss unused items. This is also a good time to clean your jewelry so the pieces are polished and ready to wear before you put them away. Then follow these ideas for storing jewelry safely and effectively. 1. Designate a Jewelry Drawer Assign a drawer in your closet or bedroom for storing jewelry....

1. Painted Rustic Mantel An earthy shade of green accentuates the fireplace mantel in this rustic living room. The color beautifully complements the worn red brick of the surround and hearth. The mantel’s simple lines and painted finish put a modern spin on rustic style. 2. Wood Beam Mantel Clad in reclaimed barnwood planks, this fireplace design is rooted in farmhouse style. The boards run vertically, emphasizing the height of vaulted ceilings....