Learn even more about feeding birds in your backyard. Test Garden Tip: Be wary of invasive non-natives, such as purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, crown vetch, and multiflora rose. Some adapt so well that they rampantly spread and bully native species into submission. It’s up to us to restore nature’s balance by removing aggressive interlopers from our gardens and replacing them with bona fide blooms. Buy wildflower seed mixes containing species known to grow well in your region....

If relaxing with a glass of wine after a long day is your idea of perfect, for example, take a load off under the soft glow of pretty paper lanterns. To get this eclectic look, select lanterns in a variety of sizes, colors, patterns, and textures, and place a battery-operated LED tea light in each one. Hang lanterns using Command outdoor light hooks (found with the holiday supplies in stores) and string, rope, or fishing line....

Highlights: Freelance interiors photographer with over two decades of experienceEditorial and commercial photographerFeatured in Better Homes & Gardens, Domino, and Elle Décor

Former Senior Food Editor at Better Homes & GardensRecipe developer and contributor to Better Homes & Gardens special interest cookbooks, including “Grilling” and “Fresh.”

The trick is to take some time picking out your fabric. You don’t need to visit any specialty lampshade fabric suppliers, but you do need to think about the overall effect of a given fabric. A chevron style, for example, creates a fun, preppy accent piece, while a bright floral print exudes a casual elegance. Consider the look you’re hoping to achieve as well as the style of your existing space when making the choice for your DIY lampshade....

Rather than let hats, gloves, and scarves pile up in the entryway or wet boots ruin your floors, use one of the following winter gear organization ideas to keep everything tidy and in good condition for years to come. 1. Hang a Sweater Cubby Not just for sweaters, hanging cubbies can be a seriously versatile organizing product. Anything from jeans, towels, and even toys can be kept neat in these storage essentials....

12-oz. fresh kumquats (about 45) stems removed 2 ½ cup sugar ¾ cup water

To Store Place cookies in airtight container. Store in the refrigeraro up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.

A: Although both wallpaper and paint liven up dull rooms, wallpaper has special advantages. It can camouflage flawed or damaged walls, soften rough or irregular architectural features, and unite awkward angles. Wallpaper also offers combinations of colors, patterns, and textures that would be nearly impossible for the do-it-yourselfer to duplicate with paint. Q: Isn’t wallpaper more expensive than paint? A. Yes. One roll of wallpaper, which covers about 30 square feet, might cost around $35....

Tips for Landscape Lighting How to Choose Siding Colors Top Exterior Color Schemes

1 cup finely chopped tomatoes (2 medium) 2 tablespoon finely chopped onion 2 tablespoon finely snipped fresh cilantro 1 fresh serrano chile pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped* ½ of a lime Tilapia that is farm raised in the United States is the most eco-friendly option. * Because chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. When working with chile peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves....