Test Kitchen Tip: Serving a crowd for Easter breakfast? Double the recipe and cook it in a 12-inch skillet instead. Test Kitchen Tip: For fresh-made pancakes that stay warm without getting soggy, keep them in the oven on low. Test Kitchen Tip: Leftover hot cross buns can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Test Kitchen Tip: Add sunflower seeds and granola to the cream cheese mixture for a sweet treat that packs a crunch....

Some of these options have you starting from seeds to plant in a pot, and others have already grown succulents that you arrange in a terrarium, so you can choose the option that’s a perfect match for your abilities. The growing process may seem a little daunting, but don’t worry. Each one of these kits comes complete with the necessary seeds or plants, soil, fertilizer, a pot or dome, and easy-to-follow instructions....

Instead of opting for the plain black tea bag in the cabinet, plenty of hot tea ideas are waiting for you to try this season. Learning how to make homemade hot tea using fresh herbs, fruit, and more is really easy. You can reap extra health benefits when making tea at home by adding immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as fresh ginger, cinnamon and pomegranate. So grab your blanket and a good book, and cozy up with one of these delicious hot tea drink recipes from our Test Kitchen....

We first featured Christmas villages as a decorating trend in the 1966 edition of Better Homes & Gardens’ Christmas Ideas book, but the miniature towns have been around for hundreds of years. The age-old Christmas Village tradition initially began as nativity scenes illustrating the Christmas story. Their biblical significance got lost in translation as they passed through different European regions and traditions, later arriving in the United States. The whimsical Christmas village tradition we’re familiar with today culminated with putz (or plaster) houses in the 19th century, and it’s these quaint displays we’ll be displaying on our holiday mantels this season....

But why, exactly, is baking so good for your brain, your mood, and beyond? Preheat your ovens and read on for the top six reasons from Thomas and Nicole Beurkens, Ph.D., author of the best-selling book Life Will Get Better and the founder and executive director of Horizons Developmental Resource Center in Caledonia, Michigan. 1. The Step-by-Step Process Makes You More Mindful By now, you’ve likely heard about the concept of “mindfulness....

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Test Kitchen Tip: Choose certified gluten-free rolled oats to make this a gluten-free granola recipe. Buy It: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker ($33, Walmart) Buy It: Hamilton Beach Food Processor ($59, Target)

Remember, too, that snacks are a great opportunity to squeeze in more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or important nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, protein, or disease-fighting phytochemicals—and that’s for everyone, whether or not you have diabetes, or are mindful about your blood sugar level. Healthy Snacks that Won’t Raise Blood Sugar With this advice in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of eight snacks for people with diabetes to buy or make at home....

Buy It: Nordic Ware Formed-Aluminum Bundt Cake Pan ($28, Williams Sonoma)

No matter which onion family plant you pick, aim to stock up on firm ones that are blemish-free with little to no distinguishable scent when whole. Store onion family vegetables of all kinds in a cool, dark place that’s well ventilated. Only refrigerate once peeled. Sliced or chopped, grated or minced, each different type of onions can add a unique flavor dimension to your dish. Opting for the onion variety best suited for the job will ensure the best (and most tasty) finished product....

There are several methods for achieving whiter whites and brightening colored fabrics you can use. Determining the best way to whiten and brighten laundry will depend on a variety of factors, including the item’s material and the type of stain you’re trying to remove. For example, protein-based stains, such as those from blood or sweat, will require a different treatment than dinginess caused by colors bleeding in the wash. Bleach is a highly effective whitener, of course, but it might not be the best choice for all types of fabrics and stains....

Zones: 8-11 Height: Up to 5 feet tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Zones: 2-8 Height: Up to 2 feet tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Zones: 7-11 Height: Up to 4 feet tall Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Zones: 10-11 Height: 2-3 feet Growing conditions: Part to full shade and well-drained soil Zones: 3-9 Height: 5-6 feet Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Zones: 4-9 Height: Up to 2 feet Growing conditions: Part to full shade and well-drained soil Zones: 5-9 Height: Up to 4 feet tall Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Zones: 4-9 Height: Up to 30 inches tall Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Zones: Annual Height: Up to 6 feet tall Growing conditions: Full sun to light shade and evenly moist, well-drained soil

1. What’s your neighborhood like? Driving around and taking in the color schemes of homes you love is a good first step when deciding on siding color. Pay particular attention to homes in your area, especially those styled similar to yours. Although you want to incorporate your own style into your siding color scheme, you also want your selection to look good in your home’s location. If your neighborhood is more eclectic, for example, you might consider more colorful options when it comes to siding colors....

Convenient Kitchen Access All food and drink prep for parties can be completed at this convenient 12-foot outdoor counter. A chalkboard makes keeping track of projects and plans a breeze, while the wooden countertop complements the natural elements around it. Cabinets below guarantee the hosts will have plenty of room to store drinks and snacks for entertaining all night long. The Dining Hub This arbor was made from two repurposed industrial ladders and is perfectly in sync with the couple’s DIY backyard....

Whether you decide to build a puzzle by the crackling fire, read a Christmas novel, or make a truly epic gingerbread house display, this editor-approved list is sure to keep your household entertained until spring. We’ve even got ideas for ways to do good after the hectic holiday season. Download our free printable winter bingo card and hang it up so you can check things off as you go. Winter Bucket List Bingo...

African Violet Care Must-Knows One of the few houseplants that will bloom in low light, African violets grow well in bright east- or north-facing windows. Avoid locations where they will receive direct sunlight in the afternoon; too much sun can burn leaves and prevent the plants from blooming. Turn plants weekly to encourage even growth on all sides. Overhead watering methods damage African violet foliage. When water droplets fall on the fuzzy leaves, they often leave behind ugly brown spots....

Annual Statice Care Must-Knows Annual statice performs best with little interference. It prefers well-drained, sandy loam. (It rots in overly wet soil.) However, it isn’t picky about nutrients, preferring to grow on the lean side, with little to no additional fertilizer. Annual statice is drought-tolerant once established. Plant annual statice in full sun for the brightest colors and sturdiest stems. They tolerate a bit of shade, but the plant will likely flop and need support....